According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 in 10 seniors with dementia will wander at some point. Wandering can be frightening for families providing care for elderly loved ones with dementia, but there are many ways to address and prevent this dangerous behavior. Here are some suggestions to keep your loved one safe.
Create a Daily Routine
Seniors with dementia need help organizing their days. You can prevent your loved one from wandering if you work together to plan daily activities. Make sure the activities reflect your loved one’s interests and aren’t too different from what he or she used to do before the condition developed. The important thing isn’t deciding what activities your loved one does but rather creating a structure for when and where they occur. Write down the activities and times so your loved one can easily read them.
If you’re concerned about the possibility of your loved one wandering, consider hiring a professional caregiver to keep him or her safe. If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
Increase Exercise
Exercise can reduce feelings of anxiety and help your loved one feel less agitated so he or she isn’t as likely to wander at night. Agitation in the evening hours is a common dementia-related symptom called sundowning. Talk to your loved one’s doctor about physical exercise that’s safe for seniors with dementia to participate in when supervised.
Caring for a senior with dementia can be challenging for family members. Families looking for top-rated Pearland homecare services providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Use Technology
Simple technological devices can keep your loved one safe from wandering. You can install alarms that alert you when a door or window is open, and you can also install motion sensors to track your loved one’s movements and eating and sleeping habits. There are also tracking devices that can help you find your loved one if he or she leaves the home. These devices can be worn as wristbands or put on keychains.
Talk to Neighbors
Consider meeting with your loved one’s neighbors to let them know about his or her dementia and the potential for wandering. They may be willing to help by contacting you if they notice your loved one wandering away from home and appearing lost.
Even when families have the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. We are a leading provider of dementia care. Pearland families can take advantage of our flexible and customizable care plans, and our caregivers always stay up to date on the latest developments in senior care. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today.
